Hope earns faith of a charitable QAL
Published on 21 November, 2011
CQUniversity student Denica Hope had her hopes met recently when she was awarded the 2011 Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) Scholarship.
Gladstone-based Denica, a first-year Bachelor of Accounting and Diploma of Professional Practice student, will receive $5000 per annum from QAL to assist financially throughout her degree.
QAL scholarship winner Denica Hope
QAL Managing Director Phil Campbell said the scholarship provides a much-needed financial boost to the students and their families.
"We are aware that this money can really make a difference to a student and the high calibre of applicants made the decision a very tough one," Mr Campbell said.
"The QAL scholarship allows us to invest in Gladstone's future by assisting a student to develop into a valued member of our community and someone who will contribute to the economic sustainability of our local area."
Denica was not the only beneficiary of the day; a $1000 Encouragement Award was presented to Bachelor of Engineering (Co-op) and Diploma of Professional Practice student Damien Hensen.
Both students had attended Toolooa State High School, where Denica and Damien excelled in their chosen subjects and often found themselves competing for the same academic awards.
Now, in their first year of tertiary study, not much has changed as both were selected as finalists and interviewed for the QAL scholarship.
Denica said the scholarship will provide her with financial stability, enabling her to focus on her studies and broaden her skills.
"I am still in shock, I thought Damien would get it for sure. I was really surprised when my name was read out," Ms Hope said.
Selection of the QAL scholar is based not only on academic excellence, but also community involvement and extracurricular activities.
Denica is already demonstrating great leadership and interest in the University by volunteering to get involved in the student mentor program, so she can share her knowledge and experiences with new accounting students.
The QAL/CQUni scholarship was established in 1975 and its long-standing valuable partnership was acknowledged at the presentation ceremony.
Professor Chad Hewitt, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Head of Campus Gladstone, presented QAL with an appreciation plaque to mark the occasion.
The scholarship is open to full-time, first-year CQUniversity students residing in the Gladstone Regional Council area and studying in the areas of applied science (including environmental studies), business/commercial, engineering or information technology.